Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Protonix

Protonix: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Protonix?

Protonix is a medication with the generic name Pantoprazole. It is one of the proton-pump inhibitor family members used to treat certain esophagus and stomach problems, such as acid reflux. It acts by regulating the enzymes that produce stomach acids. The final steps of gastric acid production are inhibited in the stomach wall layers, curbing acid production. This helps relieve heartburn and acid-related indigestion. This medicine binds to the stomach wall for longer than 24 hours and prevents acid production.

What Are the Uses of Protonix?

  • Used primarily to treat stomach and esophageal-related problems.
  • To treat heartburn.
  • Gastro-oesophagal reflux  disease (GERD).
  • Acid reflux.
  • To treat Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (caused by stomach acid).
  • Peptic and duodenal ulcers.

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    What Are the Side Effects of Protonix?

    Using Protonix for the long term leads to the risk of developing  side effects which include:

    • Headache.
    • Higher risk of developing a bone fracture, especially when it is consumed daily for more than a year.          
    • Stomach lining (atrophic lining) gets chronically inflamed.
    • Hypomagnesia (low level of magnesium in the blood). This condition is seen in patients taking this medication for few as three months.
    • In very rare cases can lead to allergic reactions such as swelling, rashes, or breathing problems. This can further lead to kidney disorders.
    • In hospitalized patients who are on Protonix, have the risk of developing severe diarrhoea.
    • Fundic gland polyps warning-polyps develop on the lining of the stomach that may become cancerous in the long run.
    • Vitamin B-12 deficiency which in turn leads to deterioration of brain functions and serious nerve damage.

    If the side effects occur while taking Protonix Tablet, contact our medical experts.

    What is Protonix

    Uses of Protonix

    Side effects of Protonix

    References

    1. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/pantoprazole/#:~:text=When%20will%20I%20feel%20better,2%20weeks%2C%20tell%20your%20doctor.
    2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26541643/
    3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287242470_Evaluation_of_the_effect_of_pantoprazole_on_serotonin_secretion_and_metabolism_in_patients_with_functional_dyspepsia

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Protonix

    Protonix may cause constipation, though is not one of the side effects. Acid reflux or GERD when treated with proton pump inhibitors like Protonix may cause constipation. This constipation can be relieved by drinking more water, eating fibre rich food, and exercising.

    Studies on pantoprazole have shown that a single-dose decreases secretion of serotonin only in EPS patients but (epigastric pain syndrome but with other patients, there is no evidence of reduction of serotonin.

    Studies have proven that there is no evidence that Protonix causes cancer. When comparative studies were done on different proton pump inhibitors, Protonix, being long-acting PPI did not show any evidence for developing into gastric cancer or any other gastrointestinal cancers compared to another short-acting PPI.

    If the stomach produces too many acids Protonix is given twice a day. If tablets form, is prescribed it is to be eaten with or without food but if granules are given they are taken 30 minutes before a meal.

    Protonix belongs to a class of drugs called PPI (Proton pump inhibitors). These PPI drugs like Protonix stop the cells in the stomach from making too many acids. They are used to treat ulcers, heartburns, Gastroesophageal reflux disease commonly called GERD.

    Yes, Protonix is bad on kidneys. Studies have shown that proton pump inhibitors, such as Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid, are associated with increased risk of kidney failures, kidney damages, and other side effects.

    After taking Protonix, you might feel better in 2-3 days, but for it to complete control symptoms, it might take around 4 weeks. But once you are on these medications and even after two weeks there is no improvement, the doctor has to be consulted.

    Protonix and omeprazole are both proton inhibitors and reduce stomach acids. Both of them are equally effective but comparative studies between the two have shown that Protonix is more effective in treating stomach ulcers and GERD.

    Protonix might lead to weight gain. Studies have shown both weight gain and weight loss in patients when initial studies were carried out. Weight gain may be due to edema and bloating, which are side effects of Protonix.

    Prilosec and Protonix are both proton inhibitors and reduce the production of acids in the stomach. Since they act similarly, when taken together, they might have additive effects and increase the risk of side effects.

    Protonix is taken in dosage of 40 mg in a tablet or capsule form, once a day before food. But if two tablets are to be taken, it is advisable to take one in the morning and evening, each. However, studies have shown that a 40-mg tablet taken at night gives the best results for intragastric pH control.

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